Elections Matter!
Virginia’s November Federal Elections resulted in new faces in DC including a record number of women. New faces: CD2 Elaine Luria(D) CD5 Denver Riggleman (R) CD6 Ben Cline (R) CD7 Abigail Spanberger (D) CD10 Jennifer Wexton (D) And NEA-endorsed incumbent Senator Tim Kaine won as well.
Educator Actions are happening in Los Angeles, and look for Oakland, Florida, and Denver. What is important to remember is that funding for many schools are still significantly below the prerecession levels of 2008. This has had a huge impact in our schools. Even when governors “increase money to K-12” much of that money goes to replace old equipment, outdated resources or previously riffed employees. Superintendents and school Board have to juggle so many competing needs that educator raises are taken off the table. As we know education funding is different in all the states.
Presidential Election
As we move towards the presidential election of 2020, NEA will continue to engage all potential candidates. After approval of an updated questionnaire by the NEA PAC council in February, all viable rumored and announced candidates will be sent the NEA PAC questionnaire. After the questionnaire has been returned candidates will be invited to an interview, which will be recorded and shared with members along with analysis of candidate policies. As a reminder, the PAC council has the authority to make presidential primary recommendations to the NEA Board of Directors.
Read Across America
Congratulations to SVEA for securing one a very few Read Across America Grants for the year. As we learn more about social justice issues, please consider using diverse books during your annual Read Across America celebrations. Marley Dias used her voice to bring books to her library that look like her. Be sure to use the NEA interactive calendar to gather ideas and find lessons you can use in your classroom. It’s not too late to order your calendars! http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm
Leadership Summit
The NEA Leadership Summit will be held in Denver, Colorado on March 15-17, 2019. The focus will be on developing the leadership competencies of participants. Registration is open now. http://www.nea.org/leadershipsummit.
ESP Conference will be March 22-24 in Las Vegas. The goal is to strengthen and grow the professional excellence of ESP members working in Pre-K to Higher Ed through interactive learning experiences. http://www.nea.org/espconference
Retiree Conference will be March 17-18 in Denver Colorado. Registration http://www.cvent.com/events/2019-nea-national-leadership-summit/event-summary- 2038f0c4959648e2ac96fbf008e46487.aspx
NEAEdJustice
“Racial Justice in Education” is a new resource from NEA. The toolkit answers the question “Why racial equity and justice?” and provides tools for talking about race, advocacy, and strategic planning.
https://neaedjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Racial-Justice-in-Education.pdf
Can you be fired for participating in a rally or walkout? What if there is a student walkout? Find out more at https://neaedjustice.org/2018/03/12/7-questions-educators-asking-rights-speak-protestengage-
activism/
Rep Assembly Schedule Changes
NEA will be publishing dates soon for the “Open Hearings” for the Strategic Plan and Budget, Legislative, Constitution & By-Laws and Resolutions that will take place in JUNE before the Representative Assembly. All delegates will be invited to attend virtually. It will critical to have accurate emails and phone numbers. When you are sent the registration link from NEA-please register!
VEA will coordinating schedule changes to the NEA RA. VEA will not have an evening reception. The RA schedule eliminates the EXPO and replaces it with a Delegate Experience. The RA would be July 4-7, with the first VEA caucus meeting on July 3.
NEA Foundation News
Happy 50th Birthday! The NEA Foundation helps members keep the promise of public education. There are opportunities for grants, for global fellowships, and making connections to global classrooms. The Foundation announced in November that Sara Sneed will be the new CEO and President taking over for Harriet Sanford who has announced her retirement.
General Counsel Report
There is a continued effort to attack labor unions on all fronts including in the court system. Recent rulings at the Supreme Court appear to make the case that we will have may battles ahead. NEA Counsel O’Brien said one of the strategies employed by the various conservative groups is to get court cases into the court system as soon as possible, get a ruling, and begin the appeals process (if negative to the plaintiff) with the hopes of getting cases to the Supreme Court under the belief with the current makeup SCOTUS is likely to rule against labor.
Community Ally Constitutional Amendment
Constitutional Amendment #3 provides for a Community Ally membership category at the NEA level. This amendment does not require any states to adopt the ally category. The NEA Board supports this amendment which will be voted on at the NEA RA. There will be a FAQ sheet and thanks to the VEA members who gave feedback and asked questions.